Columbia, SC (WLTX) --- Former Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore will take his talents to the west coast after being selected in the 4th round by the San Francisco 49ersin the 2013 NFL Draft. He will also take with him a mother's love that has carried him throughout his journey.

Lattimore is widely considered to be one of the most humble athletes, or even people, that you might meet. That seems to come from being raised by his mother. Many wouldn't blame Yolanda Smith if she bragged about her very decorated son. However, Smith keeps things in a much larger perspective.

"It's not about football," Smith said. "I know Marcus isn't the greatest football player out there but for some reason, God's going to use him for greatness."

Some Gamecocks fans would argue about whether or Lattimore is indeed the greatest football player out there. After all, he is the University of South Carolina's all-time leader in touchdowns. But after sustaining a second season-ending knee injury in as many years, both Lattimore and his mother have looked to their faiths.

"It's[faith] the only thing I've had to hold on to," Smith said. "You know what the knee...and my family and everything, it's all been a test," added Lattimore.

The future for Marcus Lattimore is uncertain. It's unclear whether Lattimore will see the field for the 49ers this season. There a lot of questions regarding how well he will do in the pros coming off of a second knee surgery. But what iscertain is that both Lattimore and his mother will continue to trust in their faith and take it one day at a time.

"As long as he continues on the path that he's been on," Smith explained. "Working hard and doing what he's instructed to do by the coaches, he's going to do well."

And as you would expect, her youngest son echoed similiar thoughts.

"It's just a blessing to even be in this position," Lattimore said. "I'm going to take advantage of it right when I get out there[San Francisco]."